“Third Night, First Fable.” The Nights of Straparola, Straparola, Giovanni Francesco, translated by W.G. (William George) Waters, London: Lawrence and Bullen, 1894, pp. 102-109.

Tale Summary

King Luciano rules the island of Capraia, and has a single daughter named Luciana, age 10. The palace is opposite to the cottage of a widow, Isotta, and her son, Peter the Fool, a fisher-lad. The princess is taken with his antics, although he is irritated for being laughed at. One day, Peter finally catches a fish, who talks to him and promises all the fish he could want if only he lets him go. Peter releases the fish and gets a boatful of others in return. The princess laughs at him, and so mad, Peter asks the fish that Luciana become with child at once. His wish is fulfilled, and the king is so disgraced he vows to have her killed. The queen and him come to an agreement to wait on her death until the child is a year old, at which time every man over 14 is summoned to the palace. The baby reacts fondly to Peter, and it is obvious that he is the father. The queen convinces the king to, instead of having a public execution, place the princess, Peter, and the baby in a casket and be put to sea. Once on the waves, Peter reveals his “Mr. Tunny,” and makes it so that the fish will answer her commands. They are delivered to shore safely, and the princess requests that Peter be transformed from a fool into a handsome, clever gallant, as well as wishes a palace into being. The king and queen start a trip to Jerusalem to solace themselves and see the beautiful palace on their way, and are drawn to it. They do not recognize Luciana and Peter, and are given a tour. There is a garden within the palace with three golden apples, one of which is magically transported into the robes of the king. Luciana has everyone searched for the special apple, and the king is astonished that he is in possession of it. She reveals herself as his daughter, and that even though she gave birth she was still chaste, and that she is as innocent of unchastity as he was of being a thief. Luciana, the child, and Peter, move back with the King and Queen, at which point Peter marries the princess and assumes the title of king.